NZ 'comfortable' with Amir selection

New Zealand Cricket boss David White is relaxed about the inclusion of convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Amir in the Pakistan squad to tour this month.

Pace bowler Amir, 23, won his first international selection on Saturday since completing a five-year ban for spot-fixing.

His place on the tour which features three Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals from January 15-31 is subject to being granted a visa by the New Zealand authorities.

Amir has a criminal conviction, spending three months in jail in Britain as part of his punishment for taking bribes to bowl no-balls at predetermined times during the tour of England in 2010.

NZC chief executive White believes the 23-year-old has reformed and warrants a second chance. He is happy to take a lead from the International Cricket Council, which has cleared Amir to return to all cricket.

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"My personal view is he was a very, very young man – a boy really (when suspended, aged 18).

"He showed remorse at the time, admitted to it. He's gone through all the rehabilitation and education as prescribed by the ICC. I'm personally comfortable with him coming to New Zealand and playing."

White says Amir's visa application hasn't been discussed at NZC board level but he expects it will be supported by the organisation.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson was less forthcoming on Amir's inclusion, saying he has a view on the player's international return but was unwilling to share it.

"I think it's more of an administrative decision than a coaching decision," he said.

"We know he's a good player and we're going to have to scout him pretty closely."

Amir toured New Zealand in 2009 and went on to play 14 Tests, taking 51 wickets at an average under 30.

The left-armer, who has impressed at domestic level in recent months, told AFP he hopes for a generous welcome if he takes the field in New Zealand.

"I expect love and affection from New Zealand fans," he said.

"But even if there are taunts and harsh remarks, I am ready for that and will do my best to reply to them with love and by taking wickets."

Amir's inclusion in the Pakistan training squad had created some tension but their T20 skipper, Shahid Afridi, took to social media to support Amir's return.

"We have selected the best possible team for NZ tour," Afridi wrote. "This squad is the best available talent in Pakistan.

"Happy to have Amir back in the team. He told me truth first time I asked him in England. He admitted his mistake we should back him now.

"Amir also backed team and didn't lie like others did. He didn't go to TV shows and criticised team like others did for no reason."

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Afridi added that he respected the stance of fellow players Azhar Ali and Mohammed Hafeez who initially refused to train alongside Amir, but returned and welcomed the young bowler back into the team after a tearful and heartfelt address to the squad.

"We suffered a lot due to spot-fixing scandal and our image was tarnished everywhere," continued Afridi.

"Amir spoke the truth both to courts and the Pakistani public.

"We now need to move on and I will back Amir and expect him to serve Pakistan cricket with total dedication and commitment."